It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shelley Ann Gabries (nee Shaw). Shelley was a fun, beautiful, kind woman. Some would say she was like a magnet for good, caring, loving people because she always seemed to be surrounded by them. She was born in Chester, PA, on August 16, 1958, and peacefully passed away at her home in Glen Mills on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her entire immediate family.
Shelley grew up in Brookhaven, PA, and before graduating from Sun Valley High School in 1976 she enjoyed school activities, sports, making lifelong friends and even winning the “Betty Crocker and Math Award”. She then graduated from Keystone Business School and worked for Philadelphia Electric but quit, because raising 3 children was more important to her. Later in life she worked for Penn State and retired from West Chester University Athletics Department, where she was deeply loved by all the coaches.
Shelley was easy to be around, she was pretty and always dressed in a classy style, but she was very uncomplicated and low maintenance. She found pleasure in the simple things in life; she could be seen flounder fishing, hooking her own minnow through the lips, crabbing off the dock with her grandchildren, sometimes so early in the morning she was still in her pajamas. She would hang the clothes out on her two long lines and would get mad if she had to use the dryer. She loved the sun and if not at a pool or beach you’d find her relaxing in a backyard lounge chair with a book, probably dozing off. She loved to shop for clothes and was very good at finding beautiful things 75% off. She was not afraid of hard work, and could run a mower, Weed Wacker, split and stack of firewood, and light the wood stove.
Shelley was also very physically fit, ate well, worked out, and briskly walked 5 miles a day, then would check her smart watch for how many steps she had. All this fitness did help her when she went head on into a more than 4.5-year battle with ovarian cancer. She fought a tough and courageous battle and never lost her class and sense of humor; her doctors and nurses called her the poster child.
She was predeceased by her beloved son Jonathan Gabries; her brother Steve Shaw; and parents Marilyn and Charles Shaw.
Shelley is survived by her loving husband, Rick, of 44 years; her son R. Andrew Gabries (Kara); daughter Samantha Hosier (Dan); sister Carolynn Yarnell (Denny); brother Jeff Shaw (Lisa); sister-in-law Michele Shaw; 6 grandchildren who were the light of her life; many nieces, nephews, in laws, and good friends.
She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
We invite all who knew and loved Shelley to join us in honoring her memory. Funeral service will be held Tuesday (March 10, 2026) 12 noon at the Bateman-Allen Funeral Home, 4220 Edgmont Ave., Brookhaven, PA, 19015 with a visitation beginning at 10:00am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers Shelley requested donations be made to “Jonathans House”, 87 Tanguy Rd., Glen Mills, PA 19342. Jonathan’s House is a recovery home for young men trying to straighten their lives out. It is located in West Chester and was co-founded by Andrew Gabries and Derek Madden, founded in honor of Andrew’s deceased brother, Jonathan.
Online condolences can be sent via www.batemanallenfuneralhome.com



4 Condolences for Shelley Ann Gabries
Condolences(4)
Eric Beebe says
March 3, 2026 at 5:47 amShelly was like a second mother to me growing up. Her son Jonathan Gabries was my best friend my brother from another and I always remember him for loving his mother so much and he spent all his money on flowers for her on Mother’s Day.if jon was here today he would be devastated. But hopefully there both up there together again ❤️
Diane Riley,WCU retired secretary Kinesiology says
March 9, 2026 at 10:43 amI was saddened to hear that Shelley lost her battle with cancer. When she was would meet with the other South campus ladies and I for breakfast, she was positive and upbeat and smiling. My prayers are offered for peace and support to Shelley’s family . She will be missed
Denise (Golden) Malone says
March 9, 2026 at 4:14 pmI am unable to attend the funeral services for Shelley due to travel plans. I want her family to know how very sorry I am that you have lost Shelley. I am Shelley’s brother, Steve’s sister in law and knew Shelley way back when. She was always a fun, happy person and I know that she will be missed greatly by all her family members and friends. She is with her son, brother, mother and father now and may God Bless those she has left behind.
Dave Grehawick says
April 3, 2026 at 4:49 pmRick, so sorry for your family’s loss. I think of you often, stay strong!